Plan the Ultimate European Getaway

From its historic architecture to its fascinating museums to its hipster culture, Prague has everything you want in a European getaway. Get to know this charming Czech city, learn your way around the airport, and find a cute place to stay in Prague.

Your Prague Itinerary

Whether you want to step into a fairy tale or you’re dying to dig into the grittier side of Prague, it’s easy to pack a little of everything into your ideal day in Czechia’s capital city. Here’s how to design your Prague itinerary.

Early Morning: Fuel Up With Coffee

No matter where you’re staying in Prague, you’ll find a memorable cup of coffee. If you’re not big on breakfast but you can’t start your day without caffeine, head straight for EMA Espresso Bar. You won’t find any breakfast feasts here, but you will find some of the city’s best espresso, regular coffee, and espresso drinks. Since there’s no Wi-Fi here, it’s a great spot to savor your coffee and talk over your plan for the day.

Nestled in Prague’s Karlin district, Muj Salek Kavy is a must, as it’s home to some of the city’s most talented baristas, some of the freshest coffee, and one of the coolest coffee murals. Don’t forget to snap a few photos as you caffeinate for the day.

Charles Bridge in Prague.

Morning: Design Your Own Fairy Tale

Prague’s Old Town Square is the stuff fairy tales are made of, and you’ll want to make this your first destination in the city. Besides, you’ll have a much better chance of being able to stage a few uncrowded Instagram shots if you arrive earlier in the day. Start with a stroll through the square, which dates back to the 12th century, and a stop at the amazing Astronomical Clock, which dates back to the 15th century and tracks the seasons and the phases of the moon.

Next, saunter over to the Charles Bridge, which links Old Town with Lesser Town and is one of the most photogenic spots in the city. This is also one of the most charming bridges you’ll find anywhere in Europe, thanks to the dozens of historical statues that dot the structure.

Noon: Become a History Expert

Whether you’re into Medieval history or you’d rather stick to more recent happenings, you’ll find many museums to choose from in Prague. If you really want to step back in time, visit the Prague Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site with structures that date back to the 10th century. This is where you’ll find highlights ranging from the Royal Palace to the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral to Golden Lane, which is a sort of living history museum.

For more contemporary history, pay a visit to the city’s Jewish Quarter. Also known as Josefov, this area is home to the sprawling Old Jewish Cemetery, with over 10,000 gravesites; the Jewish Museum in Prague; and a few of the city’s key synagogues. For postwar history, don’t miss the Museum of Communism, where you can get a glimpse of one of the most notorious eras from Prague’s history.

The Kampa Island in the Vltava River.

Afternoon: Get Some Fresh Air

If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, spend your afternoon getting some fresh air. Want to get out on the water? Splurge on a river cruise down the Vltava, which offers a totally unique perspective of Prague.

If you’d rather stay on dry land, take a walk through one of the city’s most gorgeous parks. You’ll get the best views from the top terrace of the Vrtba Garden, which is near The Church of St. Nicholas. Be sure to look for the peacocks and the cute topiaries sprinkled throughout this green space. Over in Lesser Town, feel like a princess at the Wallenstein Palace Gardens, which are home to beautiful blooms and a hedge maze that’s perfect for getting lost.

Happy Hour: Check Out Prague’s Best Bars

Widely considered Prague’s best cocktail bar, Hemingway Bar pours some of the city’s best rum cocktails, along with glasses of absinthe and champagne. Rum fans will find more than 200 varieties here, and you can even pre-book a rum tasting experience.

For one of the hottest bars in Prague, head to Anonymous Bar, where homemade bitters take the signature cocktails to a whole new level. For a hidden gem with awesome views and a rotating beer selection, go to T-Anker Bar, which is on the top level of the OD Kotva shopping mall and offers what are probably the best vistas of Old Town.

Evening: Have a Bite to Eat and Catch a Show

For dinner, skip the Czech classics like pork and dumplings and head to one of the city’s hippest restaurants instead. Treat yourself to a contemporary Italian meal at Aromi, where you’ll find an impeccable selection of Italian wines to pair with your smoked cod or other delights from the sea. If you’re visiting in the summer, grab an outdoor table at Hergetova Cihelna, which overlooks the Vltava River and serves local favorites like roast duck and Czech wine. You can also indulge in your Vietnamese faves at Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan, which has some of the city’s steamiest bowls of pho.

After dinner, the National Theatre is your destination. Whether you’re an aspiring opera expert, you want to see ballerinas strut their stuff, or you want to see a classic performance, the National Theatre delivers. While you can definitely splurge on a ticket for a great seat, you’ll find plenty of affordable tickets, especially if you have your eye on catching an opera performance.

The Powder Tower in Prague.

Václav Havel Airport Guide

In Prague, the main air travel hub is Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), one of the busiest airports in the European Union. PRG welcomes about 13 million passengers each year, and it has two main passenger terminals. If you’re flying in or out of the Schengen zone, you’ll be in Terminal 1. If you’re traveling within the Schengen zone, you’ll be in Terminal 2.

PRG is home to more than five dozen airlines, including Czech Airlines, easyJet, Jet2.com, SmartWings, Volotea, Vueling, Wizz Air, and many others. From PRG, you can reach nearby destinations like Bucharest and Paris, or you can fly to Philadelphia, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Doha, or Beijing.

How to Get to and From Václav Havel Airport

If you’re planning a Czech road trip, you’ll have many car rental options at the airport. Hop over to the main floor of Parking C, where you can rent cars from Avis, Budget, Czechocar, Dvorak, Europcar, and most other international services. From PRG, the city is about a 35-minute drive, or slightly longer with traffic. You’ll also find taxi options in the arrival halls of both Terminal 1 and 2.

If you’d rather save money and use public transit, you can choose from a few different buses. Take the Airport Express shuttle bus from the main railway station in Prague or take local bus 100 or 119 to get just about anywhere in the city. You’ll be in the center of Prague in 15 or 20 minutes when you take the local bus, while the Airport Express bus takes about 35 minutes to reach its destination. Get tickets at the public transportation counters in either Terminal 1 or 2.

What to Do at Václav Havel Airport

If you have a little time to kill at PRG, get a little work done at the MasterCard Lounge or the Raiffeisenbank Lounge or grab a bite to eat elsewhere in the terminal. Paul is great for a baguette sandwich and a French macaron, while UGO Freshbar will fuel your appetite for freshly squeezed juices. For something a little more substantial, try Briccoexpress for pasta and pizza, Fresherie for healthy bites, and Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant for a beer or two.

If you need to grab a last-minute souvenir or two, head over to Mila’s Bohemian Glass or Bohemia Crystal, both of which have gorgeous handmade glass souvenirs. Stop by Egermann or Erpet Bohemia Crystal for unique jewelry.

Alternatives to Václav Havel Airport

Although PRG is by far the best gateway to Prague, you do have other choices if you can’t get a convenient flight to Prague. Dresden Airport (DRS) is the closest alternative, as it’s about two hours north of Prague by car or about three hours away by train. DRS is across the border in Germany, but because both Germany and Czechia are in the Schengen zone, crossing the border is a breeze.

DRS is on the small side, which makes navigating this air travel hub very easy. There’s just one terminal building, where you’ll find all of the gates, baggage claim, and places to eat. DRS welcomes about 1.7 million passengers every year, most of whom fly on Germania, Eurowings, KLM, Lufthansa, and Aeroflot. If you’re flying to or from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, Moscow, or Tenerife, DRS can be a great choice.

The Clementinum.

Once you’ve mapped out what you want to do during your trip, it’s time to find the ideal place to stay near your top picks. Choose from Prague’s top hotels, hostels, and private rentals.

Top Hotels in Prague

While you’ll definitely find your fair share of chain hotels in Prague, the city’s boutique hotels offer unique designs, comfy accommodations, and locations right in the middle of everything. One of the most wallet-friendly boutique hotels in the city, Design Hotel Jewel Prague has just 11 rooms, but the hotel is packed with charm. You’ll love the Medieval brickwork, the gold ceiling, the delicious breakfast, and the location near Old Town.

If you want to treat yourself to a long list of amenities, try the Emblem Hotel, which has a fabulous spa, a well-equipped gym, and a rooftop hot tub with lovely views. For some fantastic postwar design, book your stay at Hotel Sax, a colorful spot with retro furniture, a funky jukebox, and a rooftop hangout.

Best Hostels in Prague

The best hostels in Prague are more than just budget-friendly spots to rest your head. They’re also fun places to hang out, and they offer plenty of cool activities that will help you get to know the area and feel like a local.

At Mosaic House, you’ll get to tap into a fun, creative atmosphere right in the middle of town. Save a few bucks by booking one of the shared rooms, or reserve one of the private rooms with en suite bathroom. Hang out in the common kitchen, where you can whip up a meal with fellow travelers, or unwind with a beverage in La Loca Bar and Lounge.

Also located in the city center, Cosmopole is one of Prague’s newest hostels and one of the capital city’s coolest places to stay. Book a room for your squad with anywhere from two to 12 beds, and sign up for one of the hostel’s free guided tours. Don’t miss the top floor, a common area with a gorgeous outdoor terrace and breakfast area.

For the perfect balance between boutique hotel and budget-friendly hostel, book your stay at Sophie’s Hostel. It spans two historic buildings, a common kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, a bar with a daily happy hour, and a convenient location in Prague’s funky New Town.

Coolest Private Rentals in Prague

Of course, if you really want to settle in and pretend like you’re a local for a few days, you’ll want to snag one of Prague’s best private rentals. If you’re head over heels for the city’s cute old buildings and charming cobblestone alleys, you’ll definitely want to reserve a spot in Prague’s Old Town or its Malá Strana neighborhood. This is the city’s oldest district and the epicenter for history lovers.

If you’re looking for something a little eclectic, try Prague’s Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find lots of hip cafés and holes in the wall. Just a short tram ride from the city center, Prague’s New Town and Vršovice neighborhoods are also packed with gorgeous 19th- and 20th-century architecture and artsy destinations.

Ready to take the ultimate trip to Czechia’s capital city? Find the most amazing restaurants, hotels, and activities, and use GoDoTrip to organize every aspect of your stay.

ABOUT US

GoDoTrip enables you to learn more about destinations around the world, create an expert travel itinerary and dramatically reduce the time it takes to book so that you have more time to connect, share and inspire!